"Tapped" Out?

In today’s stop and go culture, one seldom has time to fill up a cup of water from the sink. When names like Dasani, Poland Spring, and Evian are constantly lining the shelves around us at each pit-stop, the need to find water is as easy as finding the checkout line. Streaming from hoses on lawns, running in sinks, swirling amongst cycling towels, and cleaning cars, the use of water is everywhere, and according to the Public Citizen report-“doubling every twenty years.” Funny thing is, water isn’t a renewable resource, and there are limits.

In fact, in today’s world the UN has already estimated that over 1 billion people lack clean drinking water, and 31 countries are currently facing water scarcity. According to the World Bank, by 2025 over two-thirds of the world’s population will be lacking clean/drinkable water.

In order to commandeer this already impending dive to water insecurity, certain companies are attempting to put a price on water, or privatize water (meaning if you want water, like any other commodity, you will have to pay for it). Thanks to the mismanagement of water bottle companies, private and public overconsumption of water for energy, household, and hygienic needs, water privatization is quickly being discussed as a reasonable alternative to solve this crisis, and to make some economic profit. But at what cost does one consent to pay in order to turn a biological need, and assumed human, or humane right, into a marketable idea? Do we really want to support the dollar over the individual, again?

Stephanie Soechtig’s feature documentary movie “Tapped,” focuses on this issue, but specifically on how the mismanagement of water bottling companies have and are contributing to water shortage. From the production of the plastic bottles, to the bodies of water where these bottles drift to, to the overall economic and consequential effects of the water industry on people, its workers, and communities, Soechtig documents stage-by-stage how the water business creates more hazards than convenience through its operations. On February 25th at 6pm in the 1st floor Amenities Conference Room at 73 Tremont, Suffolk University will be screening “Tapped.” The event is free and open to the public. In addition to screening the movie, there will also be a panel of speakers, including Professor Timothy Griffin, Director of the Agriculture, Food, and Environment Program at Tufts University to offer further information and perspective on this issue. Until then, maybe you should try visiting the sink.